Waitress Salary in Houston, TX
Waitresses in Houston, TX, in 2025, earn approximately $13.90 per hour, which translates to about $556.00 per week, $2,409.33 per month, and $28,912.00 per year.
The demand for Waitresses in Houston is growing steadily at about 5% per year, indicating positive job growth prospects and increasing opportunities for those pursuing careers in the food service industry.
How Much Does a Waitress Make in Houston, TX?
The salary of a Waitress in Houston varies depending on experience and establishment type. Below is an overview of typical earnings across different experience levels.
| Experience level | Hourly pay | Weekly pay | Monthly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (~25th percentile) | $10.50 | $420.00 | $1,820.00 | $21,840.00 |
| Mid-level (average) | $14.10 | $564.00 | $2,436.00 | $29,328.00 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $17.00 | $680.00 | $2,946.67 | $35,360.00 |
Do Waitresses in Houston Earn Tips?
Yes, Waitresses in Houston commonly earn tips in addition to their hourly wages. Tips can add a substantial amount to their income, often an extra $10 per hour depending on the establishment and shift, significantly increasing overall earnings.
Waitress Salary in Houston vs. National Average
Nationally, Waitresses earn an average of $14.50 per hour, translating to about $30,160 per year.
Compared to the national average, Waitresses in Houston earn slightly less, at approximately $13.90 per hour and $28,912 annually. Factors such as local cost of living and regional demand typically influence these variations.
Highest-Paying Areas Near Houston for Waitresses
Within the Houston area, some neighborhoods offer higher pay rates for Waitresses:
- Downtown: $15.50 per hour
- Galleria: $17.60 per hour
Waitresses working in areas like the Galleria can expect to earn notably higher wages reflecting the upscale dining and increased customer volume.
What Influences a Waitress’s Salary in Houston?
Several factors impact how much a Waitress can earn in Houston:
- Experience and tenure: More experienced Waitresses tend to command higher wages.
- Type of establishment: Working in fine dining restaurants or upscale venues generally offers better pay and more tips.
- Skills and customer service: Strong interpersonal skills and efficiency can lead to higher tip earnings and promotions.
- Shift timings: Evening or weekend shifts often pay more or generate better tips.
- Location: Waitresses in busy commercial districts or affluent neighborhoods often have higher earning potential.
How To Become a Waitress in Houston
Stepping into a Waitress role in Houston involves several key steps and potential certifications:
- Gain basic food service training through programs such as the Houston Community College Culinary Arts Program or The Art Institute of Houston Culinary Arts Program. These programs provide comprehensive hands-on knowledge valuable for food service roles.
- Earn mandatory certifications like the Texas Food Handler Certification to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
- Obtain the TABC Certification if serving alcohol, to comply with responsible beverage service laws in Texas.
- Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills to enhance customer satisfaction and tip earning potential.
- Start working in entry-level food service roles to build experience and professional references.
Top Employers Hiring Waitresses in Houston
Houston features a variety of major employers actively recruiting Waitresses, including:
- McDonalds
- Five Guys
- Fiji Island
Establishments That Waitresses in Houston Work At
Waitresses in Houston find roles in a variety of food service environments, each with different earning potentials:
- Casual restaurants: Provide steady work with moderate wages and tip opportunities.
- Fast casual establishments: Generally have fast-paced service but may pay less in tips.
- Fine dining venues: Typically pay higher base salaries and offer substantial tips.
- Bars and lounges: Tips can be significant here, especially with alcohol service.
Salary and tips can vary significantly depending on the type and prestige of the establishment, so choosing where to work can impact overall income.
Related Hospitality Jobs in Houston for Waitresses
For those interested in related roles to Waitressing, consider these similar hospitality careers that might also offer rewarding opportunities:
These include Bartender, Fine Dining Server, and Server positions, which share similar skill sets and customer service responsibilities.
Labor Laws and Taxes for Waitresses in Houston
Understanding local and federal labor laws is crucial for Waitresses in Houston to protect their rights and ensure correct tax handling.
- Visit the Texas government website for detailed information on state labor laws, wage regulations, and employee rights.
- Consult the U.S. Department of Labor for federal standards on labor practices, overtime, and workplace safety.